Rolando Pascual

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #30 prospect in 2007
  The Brewers graded Pascual out as a second-round talent when they signed him for $710,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2005. They believed he was advanced enough, despite his youth and lack of game experience, to skip past the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League and start his pro career in the Arizona League. Pascual proved to be not ready for that challenge. He had trouble throwing strikes to put it modestly, racking up 20 wild pitches to trail only the epically wild Jason Neighborgall among short-season pitchers. Taking into account the combination of the culture shock and Pascual's inexperience, the Brewers tried not to be alarmed. They knew their new approach of signing young Latin players and bringing them directly to the States would have its pitfalls. With a great pitcher's body, Pascual throws his fastball at 88-93 mph but is still working on commanding his curveball. His changeup also remains a work in progress. With a strong work ethic and willingness to listen to coaches, Pascual should eventually figure things out and be the pitcher the Brewers expect him to be. It certainlyl wasn't the best way to start his career, but not a sign of ultimate doom either. He has a loose, live arm and plenty of projection in his tall, rangy frame. He has plenty of time to develop as well, and won't turn 21 until the 2010 season. A Rookie-ball repeat is on tap for Pascual.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #17 prospect in 2006
  The best evidence of the Brewers' new approach to Latin American scouting, Pascual signed for a $710,000 bonus in September after dogged pursuit by the organization's Latin American scouting coordinator, Fernando Arango. Milwaukee wants to sign advanced Latin players and bring them to their complex in Arizona, rather than use the academy-based approach that produced Alcides Escobar and Hernan Iribarren but few big leaguers of note (Valerio de los Santos stands out the most). The Brewers consider Pascual, the top Dominican pitcher available in 2005, the equivalent of the second-round pick they forfeited to sign free agent Damian Miller. Pascual had a strong start to his career in instructional league, impressing with his stuff and makeup. He has a long, loose frame with a short upper body and plenty of projection. His fastball sits at 87-90 mph, and he topped out at 92-93 in instructional league. He also showed the ability to spin a breaking ball, though the pitch is still in its nascent stages. The same goes for his changeup. Milwaukee officials praised his work ethic and attitude in instructional league. He should start 2006 in Rookie ball.